14 Trips Our Editors Are Taking This Summer

"With the various travel restrictions throughout New England, I’ve been looking for places to unwind and experience nature that are close to home. Enter Cape Ann, the locals-only alternative to Cape Cod. Sure, its beaches aren’t as sweeping and maybe there’s a bit more suburban sprawl here, but it’s close enough to most of the Boston suburbs to make a day trip or even a half-day trip within reach. Despite the proximity to the city, it's easy to find unspoiled stretches of coastline. Its constituent towns of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport each have walkable historic downtowns where you can find the quintessential New England pit stops, including clam shacks and adorable owner-operated inns should you opt to spend the night. Some of my favorite stops? Rockport's Blume, for a single-origin cold brew, Tuck’s Candy Factory for some saltwater taffy, and Feather and Wedge for the fish stew and lobster rolls."